Banana Bread …. It Feeds the Creative Mojo

Getting the creative juices flowing and pouring hours into crafting is hard work and you need a break to re-fuel every once in awhile. When I am working on a project, be it with hook in hand or on my sewing machine, there is a favourite go-to snack. In my house, we call it “B Bread”, there’s no need to mention the full word “banana”, that’s wasting time that could be better spent eating. Pairing beautifully with a tea or coffee, this banana bread is flavourful, moist and you can’t stop at just one slice. As soon as my kid sees a group of three bananas browning on the counter, she gets giddy.

Where did this recipe come from? Sad to say I didn’t think this beauty up myself. Back in the early 80s, my elementary school published a cookbook as a fundraiser with contributions from various families. My mom gave me her copy years ago. The cover is long gone, her notes are in the margins of food stained, dog-eared pages — all the signs of a much loved cookbook. It has become a family heirloom of sorts. With everyone remaining anonymous, I wouldn’t have a clue who the baking goddess is who came up with this recipe but whoever you are, kudos to you! I’ve tweaked a few measurements and added a couple new ingredients over the years with the same results ~ yum, yum, yum!!

(my optional my add-in) ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (sometimes I just sprinkle these on top of the batter before it goes in the oven — satisfies the chocolate craving but doesn’t overpower the banana-ness of the bread)

Note regarding using margarine over butter = I’ve discovered you can substitute unsalted butter for the margarine, the difference in taste is negligible but even as a staunch butter-lover, I am convinced the margarine does taste better.

Preheat oven to 325ºF, with a rack in the centre. Using either your stand mixer or hand mixer, cream margarine and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy; add the beaten egg and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Alternating, add dry ingredients and the mashed bananas in thirds to the creamed mixture mixing each to just incorporate the ingredients, be careful not to over mix. Use spatula to scrape every last ounce of batter goodness into a well-greased and floured loaf pan and bake 50-60 minutes. I like to run a knife through the batter to get rid of any air bubbles before baking. It’s ready when an inserted tooth pick comes out clean. Leave the loaf in the pan to cool for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling rack to let cool completely. I don’t think I’ve ever made it to that point without cutting a slice — it’s really tasty still warm but easier to cut a room temperature. Enjoy!

If you have a favourite banana bread or similar loaf recipe, please share! I am in search of a zucchini loaf!